Kyoto Railway Museum

In short

Kyoto Railway Museum is one of the largest railway museums in Japan, opened in Umekoji Park in April 2016. Reborn through the development of its predecessor, the Umekoji Steam Locomotive Museum, it keeps and displays 54 railway vehicles, from steam locomotives to Shinkansen bullet trains.

• ​The roundhouse and turntable​​: Completed in 1914, the roundhouse is a national Important Cultural Property as the oldest surviving reinforced concrete locomotive shed in Japan. Steam locomotives stand in a row on its 20 spur tracks
• ​Historically valuable vehicles​​: On display are the first car of the 0 Series Shinkansen, the 500 Series Shinkansen that achieved commercial operation at 300 km/h, the Class C62 steam locomotive, one of the largest under Japanese National Railways, and Locomotive No. 233, a national Important Cultural Property
• ​The SL Steam and hands-on exhibits​​: You can enjoy a 1-kilometer round-trip railway ride on the SL Steam, pulled by a real steam locomotive. There are also diorama presentations and driving simulators

History and Highlights

​Kyoto Railway Museum​​, opened in Umekoji Park in April 2016, is one of the largest railway museums in Japan. Reborn through the development and expansion of its predecessor, the Umekoji Steam Locomotive Museum, it serves as a "railway cultural hub that progresses with the community," introducing the history, safety, and technology of railways through the themes of seeing, touching, and experiencing.

The Umekoji Steam Locomotive Museum originally opened in 1972 to commemorate the centenary of railways in Japan, with the purpose of preserving steam locomotives in dynamic, operational condition. Including these steam locomotives, the present museum houses and displays 54 railway vehicles ranging from steam locomotives to Shinkansen bullet trains. On display are historically valuable rolling stock, including the first car of the 0 Series Shinkansen, the 500 Series Shinkansen that achieved commercial operations at 300 km/h, and the Class C62 steam locomotive, one of the largest under Japanese National Railways, which pulled express trains after World War II.

Highlights of Appreciation and Experiences

• ​Roundhouse and Turntable​​: Completed in 1914, the roundhouse is designated as a national Important Cultural Property as the oldest surviving reinforced concrete locomotive shed in Japan. Extending in a fan shape centered around the turntable in front, 20 spur tracks feature steam locomotives lined up in a row. If the timing is right, visitors can watch locomotives changing direction on the turntable.
• ​First Mass-Produced Domestic Steam Locomotive​​: Locomotive No. 233, one of the Class 230 engines that was Japan's first mass-produced domestic steam locomotive, was also relocated to this museum upon its opening. Considered to be the starting point for the domestic production of steam locomotives in Japan, it is designated as a national Important Cultural Property.
• ​SL Steam and Experiential Exhibits​​: Visitors can enjoy a 1-kilometer round-trip railway ride on the "SL Steam," which is pulled by an authentic steam locomotive. There are also railway diorama presentations featuring elaborate video and lighting effects, as well as driving simulators where visitors can experience the work of a train driver.

Tips for Exploring

The museum is about a 2-minute walk from Umekoji-Kyotonishi Station on the JR Sagano Line, and about a 20-minute walk from the Central Exit of Kyoto Station. From the outdoor observation deck "Sky Terrace" on the south side of the 3rd floor of the main building, the Shinkansen, JR Kyoto Line, and Sagano Line tracks spread out below. Beyond the tracks, Kyoto Station Building and Nidec Kyoto Tower can be seen to the left, and the five-story pagoda of To-ji Temple to the right. On the east side of the same Umekoji Park, about 500 meters away, is Kyoto Aquarium; the highlights of the park are introduced in the "Umekoji Park" section.